Chris Baker: Four fancies at Happy Valley this afternoon

I’m 36 today. I might not be able to spend the day with family/friends or go out for a birthday meal, but I can enjoy watching an afternoon of competitive action at Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Fingers crossed for a few winners. Good luck if you decide to follow.

Happy Valley Tips

14:15 – Race 6 (5f)

Be Ready is one of many good rides on the card for the excellent Zac Purton, but this four-time winner in Australia has been beaten in all seven Hong Kong starts and looks a little short in the betting.  Slight preference is for the ultra-consistent LARSON, who went down by the shortest of margins here two weeks ago having won over the course and distance the time before.  This John Moore-trained sprinter has shown a good attitude in his races and shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the draw given that his last two runs have also come from wide numbers. 

14:45 – Race 7 (extended mile)

At around 9/2, SUNSHINE WARRIOR (NAP) looks excellent value to secure a third consecutive victory over this course and distance. Of course, he’ll have another hike in the weights to defy, but he comes to the track in fine form and will be attempting to maintain his unbeaten record here. With another two victories at Sha Tin to his name, this five-year-old gelding could still prove better than Class 3 company. The shortlist is completed by Alpha Hedge, who is a dual winner at the track.

15:15 – Race 8 (6f)

The most likely winner of this race looks to be Island Shine, successful over this course and distance recently, but that is reflected in his short price. As a result, I’m taking him on with the lightly-raced GOLDEN DASH, who finished second here last time out on his return from a 46-week break. That reappearance run should have put him spot on for today, and he can bounce back to the form which saw him win here on his final start of 2019. He’s finished in the first three places in seven of his ten starts to date and can go well again.

15:50 – Race 9 (extended mile)

The winner of three races for John Gosden last year (including at Listed level), PRIVATE SECRETARY scored over this course and distance on his Hong Kong debut back in December. Unfortunately, he’s recorded form figures of 0907 since, but those runs include the $10million Classic Cup and the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby. He’s back down to a mile today, has had his handicap mark lowered since his last run and will have the in-form Karis Teetan on board for the first time. Green Luck, a three-time winner at Happy Valley, may also outrun his odds from a good draw.

Recommendations:

14:15 at Happy Valley - LARSON – 1 point win bet at 6/1.

14:45 at Happy Valley - SUNSHINE WARRIOR (NAP) – 1 point win bet at 9/2.

15:15 at Happy Valley - GOLDEN DASH – 1 point win bet at 12/1.

15:50 at Happy Valley - PRIVATE SECRETARY – 1 point win bet at 10/1.